Can Anyone Beat Tadej Pogacar at the 2025 Tour of Flanders?

As excitement builds for the 2025 Tour of Flanders, cycling enthusiasts and analysts alike are left to ponder: can anyone dethrone Tadej Pogacar?

The UAE Team Emirates XRG star has emerged as the overwhelming favorite, having dominated the cycling circuit over the past year, with victories in nearly every race he entered, save for two notable exceptions.

Pogacar's track record speaks volumes. In the past year, he has captured the hearts of cycling fans worldwide, with an impressive string of victories that has solidified his reputation as one of the sport's most formidable competitors. His only blemishes came during the iconic Milan-San Remo and the GP de Québec, but even those results have only fueled speculation about his strategic prowess and relentless drive to win.

The 2025 Tour of Flanders will see Pogacar return to a race where he has previously tasted both triumph and disappointment. In 2022, he found himself caught in a tactical standoff with Mathieu van der Poel, ultimately missing the podium as Dylan van Baarle and Valentin Madouas surged ahead. However, in 2023, Pogacar learned from his past mistakes, executing a masterful strategy that saw him launch an aggressive attack on the Koppenberg with 44 kilometers remaining. This decisive move allowed him to break away with Van der Poel and Wout van Aert, ultimately leading to a solo victory as he left his competitors behind on the Oude Kwaremont.

With the experience of past races under his belt, Pogacar's strategy for the upcoming Tour of Flanders remains a topic of intense speculation. Observers note that despite his earlier inability to distance Van der Poel during Milan-San Remo, a long-range attack may be the optimal approach this time around, especially given Van der Poel's sprinting prowess.

The UAE Team Emirates XRG is set to provide robust support for Pogacar, with three riders who finished in the top five during last year's edition: Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg, and António Morgado. Their presence will bolster Pogacar's chances, allowing him to adapt his strategy based on the race's unfolding dynamics.

As fans eagerly await the race on Sunday, the question remains: will Pogacar secure his second Tour of Flanders victory, or will another rider rise to the occasion?